Valpak supports several trade associations, informing their members of environmental legislation that affects them. In her latest Blog, Valpak Commercial Account Manager, Abbie Burford, provides a low-down of the Food and Drink Federation's 2021 Awards ceremony and outlines the level of support Valpak can offer trade associations.
For the first time since the pandemic, representatives from many of the federation’s key membership came together to celebrate achievements within the sector. This was a poignant occasion, after the FDF’s Chief Executive, Ian Wright CBE, statement: “[It’s been a] tough few years [with] the challenges of Covid, our EU Exit and – now – the extremely tight labour market.”
Valpak has been an Affiliate Member of the FDF since 2020 and has worked closely with the association for many years; therefore, every year Valpak representatives are invited to join in the festivities. This year myself and my manager had the honour of attending the soiree at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Paddington. The refreshments certainly didn’t disappoint and neither did the in-person networking opportunity, the first we had experienced since the first lockdown.
Awards up for grabs included Campaign of the Year, Exporter of the Year and a very topical Business Resilience title, Environmental Leadership and Sustainable Packaging Initiative. All winners were, of course, delighted with the accolades.
The experience brought the importance of trade associations to the forefront of my mind, thanks to the unity and cooperation they facilitate, particularly in the times of uncertainty we have experienced in recent years. It is exactly these values that fuels Valpak’s passion for connecting with and working alongside such organisations, who really are the beating heart of each industry sector.
Valpak has worked with trade associations for many years and continues to partner with new ones – offering bespoke services to trade association members. For instance, expert Valpak presenters have attended various trade association events to inform members of applicable waste legislation. Valpak has also held events/webinars and one to one sessions that are exclusive to various memberships and has provided support on relevant topics via each association’s respective social channels.
In addition, Valpak is a key player in the Government advisory process on upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Scheme and Plastic Packaging Tax legislation. This means Valpak is at the forefront of negotiations and acts as a key representative for industry on behalf of its membership.
If any of the points mentioned above could be applicable to you and your business, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
With special thanks to the FDF for being such warm and welcoming hosts at its awards evening.